1. What are the common student visa types for international students?

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) authorizes schools to issue an immigration
document through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) that
allows foreign nationals to apply for a student visa to study in the United States.
A school can also be authorized by the Department of State to use SEVIS to invite
exchange visitors to study, teach, or perform research at the U.S. university.

F-1 student

F-1 is the most common immigration status for degree seeking international students.
Prospective F-1 students will receive a Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility) document
from the school which they will use to apply for an F-1 visa at a US consulate or
embassy. F-1 students are then admitted to the United States in F-1 status to study
and must attend school full time except during their vacation break.

J-1 student

The J-1 student category is also used by international exchange students. J-1 students
will receive a Form DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility) document from either the
school they are planning to attend or from the program sponsor which they will use
to apply for the J-1 visa. The J-1 exchange visitor category is regulated by the U.S.
Department of State (USDOS). J-1 students are in the United States to study and can
be degree or non-degree seeking and must attend school full time in their program
except during their vacation break.

2. Do all international students have to follow the same rules?

Know the student’s immigration status. Students in the U.S. may have a variety of statuses.

Some may be here for another reason besides studying, but are allowed to attend classes
in their current status. In these cases, study is not necessary maintain their immigration
status and is considered “incidental to status” (e.g., H-1B, H-4, J-2, E’s, etc.).
Unlimited study (part or full-time) or not studying at all would be acceptable for
these students.

Some types of immigration statuses do not allow studying, so in order to begin studying
the future student would have to leave and re-enter in a student status or change
their status within the United States. Examples of statuses that do not allow study
are B tourists and business visitors, and F-2 dependents of F-1 students. Students
in categories that do not allow study would be considered in violation of their immigration
status if they begin study before their status is changed.

Many dependent statuses (given to individuals who are accompanying the principal non-immigrant)
are limited by age—most dependent children “age out” at 21 (e.g. J-2, H-4, etc.),
and can no longer enjoy derivative status based on their parents’ status. This may
affect college-aged students; they will be in one status through age 20, and need
to change to another status that might have different requirements, before they turn
21.

Check out the SEVP Handout: Non-immigrants: Who Can Study? (pdf) that lists visa types and if those in that status are eligible to study. Remember
to refer students to the International Student and Scholar Services Office (Clark
543 or 924-5920) if they have any questions!

3. What is full-time enrollment for international students?

International students in F-1 or J-1 status are required to enroll in a full course
of study during the academic year, as a condition of maintaining their immigration
status. Although most often equated with what the school considers “full-time” enrollment
for other purposes, the rules for “full course of study” also depend on whether the
student is in F or J status and what level of education the student is pursuing. The
rules for maintaining a full course of study for immigration purposes are complicated
and do not always conform to the what might make the best academic sense. Because
of this, academic advisers should recommend that students seek advice from the International
Student and Scholar Services Office before dropping a course or planning any other
schedule variations.

4. What if an international student changes major or degree level—does the student
need to do anything?

Yes, students need their immigration documents to reflect their current degree program
and level of study. If a student plans to change majors or degree level, please have
them contact ISSS for procedures on how to obtain updated immigration documents.

5. Does a student need to enroll full-time in the summer?

The rules regarding annual vacation differ depending on whether the school is based
on a semester, trimester, or quarter system, and whether the student is in F or J
status. Students should consult with an international student advisor to determine
how these factors impact their eligibility for annual vacation.

6. Can international students take online courses?

F-1 international students can only count ONE online class (3 units) toward their
minimum required number of credits for their full-time enrollment during Fall and
Spring semesters. If you only need one course to complete your program of study, the
course cannot be online or distance learning.

A full course of study for J-1 students must consist of “enrollment in an academic
program of classroom participation and study, and/or doctoral thesis research.” This focus on classroom
participation means that J-1 students should not rely on distance or online courses
to meet the enrollment needed to maintain their status.

Non-immigrant students in other visa categories (i.e. H-4, L2) are exempt from this
limitation.

7. Can international students pursue online degree programs?

According to U.S. immigration regulations, F-1 students cannot pursue online degrees.

Non-immigrant students in other visa categories (i.e. H-4, L2 etc.) are exempt from
this restriction.

8. Can students ever register below full-time?

Under certain circumstances, F-1 students may receive authorization for a Reduced
Course Load (RCL), which gives them permission to enroll below full-time and still
maintain valid immigration status. These exceptions include: Illness/medical condition,
Initial Difficulty with English Language, Initial Difficulty with Reading Requirements,
Unfamiliarity with American Teaching Methods, Improper Course Level Placement, or
Completing Course of Study in Current Term. The school’s International Student Advisor
must approve the RCL in SEVIS before the reduction in course load takes place, so
any reduction should be discussed in advance with the International Office.

J-1 students should consult with their program sponsor or the International Student
and Scholar Services office to discuss reduced course load options.

9. Can students enroll concurrently at more than one institution?

F-1students may enroll concurrently if the combined enrollment is a full time course
of study and a minimum of 6 units are taken at SJSU. Students must attend another
SEVIS-approved institution and consult with the ISSS office beforehand.

The J-1 regulations do not address concurrent enrollment. J-1 students should consult
with their program sponsor or international office to discuss options.

10. Can students transfer to another institution?

International students wishing to pursue their study objectives at another SEVIS-approved
institution must ensure the transfer of their immigration and academic record to another
institution. F-1 and J-1 students must consult with ISSS to complete the SEVIS transfer
in order to continue at another SEVIS approved institution. On the transfer release
date entered into SEVIS by the transfer-out school, the new school can access the
SEVIS record and process a new document for the program at the new school.

11. Can F-1 and J-1 students work on-campus?

U.S. immigration regulations allow international students to pursue part-time or full-time
employment during the course of their studies under certain circumstances.

F-1 and J-1 students, enrolled in a full course of study, may work on campus up to
20 hours per week while classes are in session. When classes are not in session, they
may work more than 20 hours. J-1 students need advance authorization from the responsible
officer of the exchange program that issued their DS-2019 before beginning on-campus
employment.

If students have specific questions about working on-campus, have them consult the
ISSS Office.

12. Can F-1 and J-1 students work off-campus?

Off-campus work is prohibited in all categories unless it is specifically authorized
under the regulations governing the student’s particular immigration category. Working
without authorization is an immigration status violation that can make the student
subject to deportation. Before accepting or engaging in any kind of employment, students
should consult the ISSS Office.